3 Indian players who might be axed for the 3rd Test

2-0 down in the series, India has plenty of enigmas to answer before picking their 'strongest XI' for the third Test against England. The third Test will commence on 18th of August from the picturesque Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

Indeed, some peculiar and hard calls while picking the playing XI has cost Indian team the most at this tour so far. To be specific, the exclusion of Pujara from the first Test and inclusion of Kuldeep in the second Test have raised the questions on the accountability of Indian team management. Nevertheless, we can't blame it entirely on the team management as the weather played a part too.

Cometh the third Test, the Indian think tank is expected to make drastic changes in the playing XI to come out with a competitive playing XI. Thus, let us look at three players who might be axed for the third Test.

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#1 Murali Vijay

England v India: Specsavers 2nd Test - Day Two

0, 0, 20, 6, 105, 8, 25, 46, and 9 - these have been Murali Vijay's last nine innings in Test cricket. Barring 105 against Afghanistan and 46 against South Africa, Vijay has had an overly sorry 2018 thus far.

Vijay's performance outside the Indian subcontinent has plunged in the recent past. Despite his solid technique, Vijay's lapses in concentration have cost him dearly.

Moreover, he has seemed overly defensive which has cost him a lot on this tour. Thus, after an embarrassing pair in the second Test, Murali might be axed from India's playing XI for the third Test.

Meanwhile, Shikhar is expected to replace the veteran right-handed batsman from Chennai. Although Dhawan has faced more or less the same issues, his aggressive style of play might help India in countering the new ball problems.

#2 Dinesh Karthik

England & India Net Sessions

With Test scores of 1, 0, 0, and 20, Karthik has had an awful time in the first two Tests against England. Unquestionably, Karthik has failed to emulate his performances from the 2007 England tour.

Considering his abysmal outing in this tour so far, Karthik's exclusion from the playing XI for the third Test seems inevitable. Moreover, a ready replacement for Dinesh in the name of Pant strengthens the case for his axing.

Safe to say, this appears to be a suitable time for India to expose Rishbah Pant to the Test format. Pant has been in excellent form of late while playing for India-A. Besides, Pant might prove to be an aggressor who would eventually add to the depth of the batting unit.

#3 Kuldeep Yadav

England & India Net Sessions

"In hindsight, it was an error. Seeing the conditions, we could have gone with an extra seamer. That might have helped", said the Indian Head Coach, Ravi Shastri, in a recent press conference. While touring England, especially for Tests, one spinner in the playing XI is enough, unless all front-line pacers are injured.

Thus, with Ashwin contributing for India, Kuldeep is least likely to be retained in the playing XI for the third Test. Moreover, Ashwin has also played a good role for India in the batting department.

In addition to that, with Jasprit Bumrah likely to be fit for the third Test against England, Kuldeep Yadav might be the one who will have to let go of his spot in the playing XI.

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Do you think these players will be axed for the third Test match? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!